It's a disease that's taken the life of an infant in New Mexico and the number of cases are at a record high.

The New Mexico Department of Health reports 149 people were infected with whooping cough in 2010, that number went up to 275 last year, and so far in 2012, 299 cases have already been reported.

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"I think it is alarming. It's a very dangerous disease, particularly to small babies-- because they don't have the immunity that adults have," said Dr. Barry Ramo.

Ramo, KOAT's Medical expert, said the numbers of cases are likely spiking because people aren't getting immunizations.

"I think there's a lot of ignorance about immunization. No. 1 it's safe, No. 2 they don't cause the disease you're trying to protect against, No. 3, the complications that could occur are maybe one in a million," said Ramo.

Experts recommend babies get the shot early and keep up with the schedule to help prevent the disease, but it's also important for adults to get the booster shot too.

That's something Ramo said is easy, and there's little excuse because the shot is offered for free here in New Mexico.